Winter Storm Warning

Posted on February 5, 2010 by Teresa Bodwell

Here’s what I don’t get–umbrellas in snow. Of course, I make do with a baseball cap in rain. I don’t really like umbrellas.

Snow seems to be different in Ohio. I watch the local weather every morning. They tend to anticipate the snow here–big storm coming Friday they’ve been saying all week. Be prepared. The schools are either closed today or closing early because the storm is expected to wreak havoc with roads by rush hour.

It has been snowing since about 10:00 a.m. here. A steady downfall, but not a blizzard. I can easily see for blocks out my window. High Street, with it’s steady flow of traffic all day looks wet, not snow covered or snow packed. I’m not seeing anything a school bus couldn’t get through. I’m puzzled.

In Montana this would be a normal winter day. No need to stock up at the grocery store and hunker down at home. Things are just different here. I’m not sure if it’s the fact that there are more people, so traffic is heavier and scarier. Or possibly there is something about the culture. I mean it’s not like snow in Florida or Dallas where I’d expect people to freak. Folks here own snow shovels.

I’m a visitor here for one winter. I’ll probably never understand.

Anyone besides me counting down the days until Hester is released? February 16–11 days and counting down fast.

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Countdown to Groundhog Day

Posted on January 29, 2010 by Teresa Bodwell

Who knew one day could have so much going on. There’s the business with the groundhog and a shadow. I can never remember if want him to see his shadow or not. Whatever we want the opposite usually happens. But hey–six more weeks of winter doesn’t sound so bad.

Then there’s the Lost season premiere. (I’m actually toying with the idea of going to a special event at my local multi-plex. What do you think? Could be fun, no?)

Last, but not least in my book is the long awaited mass market paperback release of My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys. This is the anthology with Lorraine Heath, Georgina Gentry and me.

You can read an excerpt from my novella, “Moonlight Whispers” at my website. And there is an excerpt from “The Reluctant Hero” by Lorraine Heath here.

This anthology was very well received when it came out in Trade paperback. Lorraine Heath’s story was even a Rita finalist for best novella. I hope the mass market price will make the book accessible to a lot more readers this time around.

So–that’s my latest news. What do you think? Should I go to the big Lost premiere party, or sit at home with my Tivo?

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Study in contrasts

Posted on January 10, 2010 by Teresa Bodwell

There’s a bit of snow in Columbus, Ohio. Not news, I know. The whole country seems to be suffering winter storms, road closures and frigid temps.

After 25 years of living in Montana, I can handle a little snow. No problem. I’ve seen a lot worse than this.

Still, when I got up Thursday morning and heard all the schools here were closing early, I thought I’d better get some groceries. Since we’d been gone for a month, there was nothing in the kitchen that wasn’t inside a steel can. I headed outside. After a bit of ice scraping, I backed the car out of our space and shifted into first. As soon as I rolled forward I heard a horrible scraping sound. Not good.

A peek under the car revealed a plastic piece hanging from the bumper.

A few minutes later, I was flat on my back attempting to stick my car back together with duct tape. It was pretty cold on the ground, even with a blanket between me and the snow. That’s when it hit me–reality.

A few days before I was here in Cartagena, Columbia enjoying the beach. It was hot–even in the water which I’m guessing was at least 80 degrees. This was the last foreign port on our two week cruise from Los Angeles to Ft. Lauderdale. We’d been enjoying temperatures in the 80s and sometimes even 90s in port. Sunshine, sunscreen and sunglasses daily. Wardrobe requirements–dress for dinner. The rest of the day we spent in shorts, t-shirts and sandals.

Worries? Make sure you have the key card in your pocket. The crew of the Amsterdam took care of everything else–meals, cleaning, turning down the beds at night. Decisions? Whether to sit on the deck out in the sun or in air conditioned comfort inside. Whether to read or nap. Skip dessert or–okay, skipping dessert not really an option. Suddenly it’s me and a roll of duct tape keeping things together so I can have carrots, celery and fresh tortillas.

It’s good to be home warm and cozy. Watching out the window as the snowfall outside while visions of warm sandy beaches dance in my head.

What’s your idea of paradise? A ski trip to a snowy peak, body surfing in a warm sea or some other adventure?

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